'Local vampires (who bear a striking resemblance to local comedy heavyweights Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement) have joined forces with Positively Wellington Tourism to declare the city officially ‘Vampire Friendly’ as they head towards the 19 June nationwide NZ cinema release of their feature film ‘What We Do In The Shadows”.

Vellington Airports Chief Executive Steve Sanderson was pleased to be able to help the Vampires and their mortal counterparts with their cleverly crafted piece of handiwork.

"We have really enjoyed playing our small part in supporting Taika and Jemaine's film which is a local production that showcases Wellington and the creative talent that lives here. We're also proud to help the local vampires Viago and Vladislav tell their story to the world".

The installation of the ‘Vellington’ sign also coincides with the launch of the ‘Vampire’s Guide to Vellington’ tourism promotion, fronted by Viago (Waititi) which was released online this afternoon. The city’s website has also been transformed into VellingtonNZ.com to support the film’s release.

Tourism Chief Executive, David Perks, says the coolest little capital in the world is a great destination for travellers of all kinds.

“Wellington’s a very open-minded city celebrated for its fantastic nightlife and great places to hang out – perfect for mortals and immortals alike!”

Vellington Mayor, Celia Wade-Brown, says the capital – which is rumoured to have a zombie apocalypse plan and hosted the first trans-Tasman same sex wedding - is known as a broad-minded city.

“Vellington’s perfectly suited to be the vampire capital, it’s another example of our city getting behind the film industry while making the most of the chance to showcase our home to the Vorld.”

‘What We Do in the Shadows’ has received rave reviews at international film festivals across the world including critical acclaim at the Sundance, Berlinale and SXSW film festivals. The official trailer has over half a million views on YouTube.

Wellington mortals Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement co-wrote, co-directed and co-star in the 85-minute film alongside a host of their New Zealand comedy peers including, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, Jonny Brugh, Jackie Van Beek and Rhys Darby (also of Flight of the Conchords fame).

‘What We Do in The Shadows’ is set to have its New Zealand premiere in Auckland on 13 June before the Vampires return to the capital for the Wellington premiere at The Embassy Theatre on 18 June.

Tickets are available now for a special Q&A session with the two directors on the film’s release date of Thursday 19th June at the Embassy Theatre.

The film is due for release in Australia, the UK and USA before the end of the year.